# The eighth privilege: the martyrdom of the heart
*2015-04-30*

> Bill Young reflects on the eighth privilege of the devotion of the 12 stars, focusing on the spiritual martyrdom of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of the Cross.

## Opening Prayer

We begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## The Profession of Faith

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, the only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, and on the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

## The Martyrdom of the Heart

Today we reflect on the eighth privilege: the martyrdom of the heart. As we read in John 19:25, 'Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother.' We also recall the prophecy in Luke 2:35, that 'a sword shall pierce your own soul,' revealing the thoughts of many hearts.

## Reflection on Mary's Sacrifice

Mary followed the steps of Jesus with the strength and delicacy of a mother's love, remaining totally dedicated to the wishes of the Father for the fulfillment of the work of redemption. She gave herself without reserve together with her Son, uniting herself with the beats of the Son's heart, so as to form with Him a single victim of expiation.

## Closing Invocation

In time of sorrow, you gave birth to me, O Queen of Martyrs. Sustain my lack of consistency and my perseverance, and teach me to comfort those who suffer. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. May the most holy Trinity be blessed, praised, and thanked for the graces granted.

*By uniting her heart with the sacrifice of her Son, Mary became a co-victim in the work of redemption.*